On this day 28 April, the African Regional Organization of the International Trades Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa) joins unions worldwide in the global union campaign for safer, healthier, better work as we commemorate the International Commemoration Day for Dead and Injured Workers.

Worldwide, hundreds of thousands die in workplace accidents. Millions die of occupational diseases each year. The state of Occupational Health and Safety is critical in most countries the world over and particularly dire in Africa.

As we commemorate this day, we remember the numerous workers who died at their workplaces this year. We salute these fallen angels for their contributions to the continent in diverse ways. We commit to working towards a significant reduction in workplace fatalities.
ITUC-Africa reiterates that prevention is the only cure to workplace hazards.

To achieve this, ITUC-Africa demands:

1. An end to workplace accidents and illnesses through ratification and domestication of core ILO OSH Conventions i.e. C 155, 161 and 187, development of workplace policies, adoption of OSH –sensitive- CBAs

2. Strengthen the fight against HIV and AIDS through domestication of ILO R 200, compliance with the Abuja Declaration and 2nd UN resolution of HIV and AIDS, involving youths in the fight against HIV and AIDS, recognizing and providing service to marginalized groups e.g. migrant workers, people with different sexual orientations, sex workers, temporary and seasonal workers and workers in subcontracted companies.

3. Ensure that the post 2015 development agenda contains a stand – alone goal on HEALTH with special emphasis of communicable diseases including HIV and AIDS, TB and Malaria.

4. Ensure the health of workers and their families is not affected by climate change or by response measures taken to mitigate or adapt to changes in climate.

ITUC-Africa commends affiliates for the work being done in pursuit for safer, healthier and better conditions in workplaces in the quest to attain decent work conditions. We congratulate all stakeholders in this struggle and wish the African people a memorable Workers’ Memorial Day.